Colourful and culture-packed: Inside St Kilda Festivals full program

The festival returns next weekend with their most impressive program yet!

The 45th annual St Kilda Festival is poised to explode onto the shores of St Kilda this February 14 and 15, promising a weekend brimming with vivid colours, electric energy, and cultural vibrancy. Whether you’re seeking an all-day family adventure or a chance to immerse yourself in global rhythms, this festival is a celebration like no other. With a program overflowing with world-class performances, dynamic workshops, and spectacular street activations, there’s no shortage of experiences to enjoy.

Jump in to explore the entire 2026 program.

St Kilda Festival

When: Saturday, 14 February – Sunday, 15 February 2026
Where: St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds, St Kilda
Ticketing: FREE. More info at stkildafestival.com.au

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Dance Zones: Where Cultures Collide and Energy Soars

The Dance Zone at the St Kilda Festival is nothing short of a spectacle. Feel the rhythm as samba and jazz collide, and the pulse of Latin drums syncs with the ancient beats of the Balkans. Brazilian Carnival spirit hits the stage with Samba Do Sul, a high-octane performance of choreographed dance paired with the intoxicating sound of live drums. Just a few beats away, Bluefire Bellydancers will mesmerize with their fluid movements, bringing ancient dances to life with modern flair. For a taste of Greece, Pegasus Dance Academy will sweep you away with their elegant traditional dances, while the Mexbourne Dance Company channels the energy of a Mexican Fiesta. You’ll be transported straight to the heart of Jalisco, Veracruz, and Sinaloa with their vibrant costumes and music that celebrates both heritage and community. The Dance Zone is set to ignite the festival with dynamic performances that promise to captivate every age.

Family Fun: A World of Wonders Awaits

If you’re coming with the little ones, there’s no shortage of excitement. Catani Gardens will transform into an enchanted playground, offering everything from kids’ circus workshops to face painting, fishing lessons with Elwood Angling, and whimsical carnival rides. Families can even witness the thrilling spectacle of medieval combat with Team Kraken, as knights engage in an intense recreation of 13th-century foot combat. For something a little more serene, take a moment for some family yoga at Yogabean, where kids can stretch and play in a calming environment. The whole family can also enjoy the immersive CLIPPED Karaoke, where festivalgoers of all ages can belt out their favourite hits and star in their very own music videos.

A Taste of India: Spiritual Feasts and Henna Magic

The Vedic Village in Catani Gardens offers festivalgoers an enchanting “Taste of India”. The Melbourne Hare Krishna Movement will serve up a feast of delicious vegan treats while immersing you in the sounds and sights of their vibrant culture. Browse through the Henna Marquee for some intricate body art, or find your spiritual path at the Bhagavad Gita card reading stall. As you wander, the Ratha-yatra procession will capture your heart, with towering, intricately decorated chariots of Lord Jagannatha gliding through the streets. This is one of the oldest continuously celebrated spiritual festivals in the world, and the atmosphere of joy, rhythm, and spirituality will leave you spellbound.

POOF DOOF Pride Patrol: The Party Comes to You

If you’re ready to embrace the full St Kilda street party experience, POOF DOOF is bringing its mobile queer dance floor to the festival. Prepare yourself for an explosion of pop-up performances, featuring DJs, drag shows, and games that turn every street corner into an impromptu celebration of diversity, inclusion, and pure, unbridled fun. The Pride Patrol promises to add a dash of glitter to your Sunday afternoon, making sure the vibe stays electric all day long.

Rising Stars: JBL Be Heard Busking Series

Looking for new music to fall in love with? The JBL Be Heard Busking Series is giving 18 lucky musicians the chance to perform at the festival, showcasing emerging talent from across Melbourne. Catch these rising stars at one of three busking pitches dotted throughout the site, and you might just discover your new favourite artist while strolling along the foreshore.

A Festival That Keeps On Giving

As Australia’s largest and longest-running free music and cultural festival, the St Kilda Festival has become a beloved institution for locals and visitors alike. With a stellar line-up of cultural performances, family-friendly activities, and a lineup of emerging artists, it continues to draw over 350,000 visitors every year, making it one of the most significant events on Melbourne’s summer calendar.

Whether you’re there for the global performances, the family activities, or the sheer joy of St Kilda’s vibrant community spirit, the St Kilda Festival is sure to leave you buzzing with excitement long after the last note fades away.

To find out more about the vibrant program, head here.